Oxfordshire continues to see economic growth significantly above the national average

but its competitiveness is being hampered by being the least affordable place to live nationally.

Oxfordshire continues to see economic growth significantly above the national average but its competitiveness is being hampered by being the least affordable place to live nationally.

What is Bayswater?

This sustained level of economic and population growth and underlying demographic change has created a housing demand which Oxford has been unable to match with housing supply.

The growth and desirability of Oxford has driven house prices to rise (now 17 times average earnings compared to 6 times earnings only ten years ago) significantly. Oxford’s average house prices are now twice that of the national average. Following an assessment of housing need and growth forecasts, Oxfordshire’s councils and the Oxfordshire Growth Board have been working together to identify the best locations for growth.

Bayswater is a residential-led development scheme proposed on land immediately adjacent to Barton Park, a scheme being developed on the A40 in a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Grosvenor Estates.

It is being promoted by the landowners, Christ Church Oxford and Dorchester Residential Management, a developer with experience of delivering complex sites in Oxfordshire, and provides a response to the unmet housing need in Oxford. It will deliver much needed homes, with a significant proportion being allocated for affordable housing, and Bayswater will be a high quality, vibrant community on the edge of Oxford with sustainability at its heart.

A truly exciting solution

Location

Bayswater’s location is unparalleled in terms of its sustainability credentials. The project will be an exciting urban extension to Oxford, with Bayswater located just 2.5 miles outside of the city centre. Travelling into Oxford will be available easily and quickly by bicycle, walking or bus – Bayswater is perfectly located and connected for all modes of transport. Whilst further afield, major economic hubs of London, Birmingham and Cambridge (via the new Knowledge Arc infrastructure) can be reached easily by rail, with Oxford Parkway station within 3.5 miles.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of the Bayswater scheme. Our location allows for environmental and transport-related sustainability to be achieved, as its proximity to the centre of Oxford will promote more non-car travel with improved cycle and walking links to major transport, work, leisure and retail hubs. This is fundamental to our aspirations and values.

A Sustainability Appraisal was prepared on behalf of Christ Church Oxford and Dorchester Residential Management, which considers a number of key environmental variables to determine Bayswater’s sustainability levels. In comparison with other sites under consideration to deliver homes for Oxford and South Oxfordshire, the study clearly demonstrates that Bayswater is the most sustainable option for development that has been put forward to meet housing need.

Our Benefits

01.

— Travel and Transport

The Bayswater location is unparalleled in its non-car travel credentials, and with our investment in new pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, sustainability can be achieved.

02.

— Flexible Approach

Bayswater can deliver a significant amount of housing depending on the level of need determined by SODC. The site requires relatively low levels of infrastructure and due to its proximity to Barton Park, can be delivered quickly.

03.

— Affordable housing

There will be a significant level of affordable and key worker housing beyond minimum policy requirements, meaning half the homes will be affordable/key worker accommodation.

04.

— Public Benefits

Bayswater will provide a number of benefits to the local area including new community facilities such as schooling and retail opportunities.

05.

— Green Infrastructure

A new defensible Green Belt boundary can be created which will preserve the green setting and increase the access to the Green Belt for Oxford’s population. We will improve transport links and use of the Green Belt for amenity use, which was intended to be its original purpose.

06.

— Key Worker Housing

Commitment to building 10% of homes for key workers. These are likely to be for University staff and NHS accommodation for the nearby John Radcliffe hospital. Medical staff working in shifts should be housed close to their workplace.